Kernels walk to support arthritis

While the Cedar Rapids Kernels were away playing baseball in the Quad Cities over the weekend, nearly 200 walkers took to Veterans Memorial Stadium to support a charitable cause.

With May being National Arthritis Awareness Month, the Cedar Rapids Kernels sponsored the Cedar Rapids / Iowa City Arthritis Walk on May 21 to help raise awareness and support those who are afflicted with the disorder. This is the third year the Kernels have sponsored the event. Mercy Cedar Rapids, St. Luke's Hospital, The Gazette, Rockwell Collins and the Physician's Clinic of Iowa were among the other sponsors.

The nation's most common cause of disability, arthritis affects 50 million Americans and nearly 300,000 children.

Around 175 people participated in the event that featured a one- and three-mile walk, a raffle, live entertainment, and an on-site health fair. Individuals who collected donations also earned prizes based on how much money they raised. The money went directly to the Arthritis Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports over 100 types of arthritis and related conditions.

Many walkers participated as a way to honor a loved one with arthritis, and people who have arthritis donned blue hats as a way to indicate that they're taking action to manage the disorder. Just 30 minutes of activity per day can help treat and even prevent arthritis.

Final numbers regarding the amount of money raised have yet to be announced.